Iran hits Kuwait refinery; Israel kills Revolutionary Guards spokesman

Iran attacked Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery on Friday. Multiple drones hit the facility, setting several units on fire.

Iran attacked Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi oil refinery on Friday. Multiple drones hit the facility, setting several units on fire. The strike caused significant damage. Energy shipments from the Gulf, which mainly supply Asia, face further disruption.

In response, Israel killed Ali Mohammad Naini, a senior spokesman for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Israeli forces said the operation targeted government facilities in Tehran. The attack is part of an escalating conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran.

Air raid sirens echoed in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem as Iranian missiles were launched in retaliation. Some missiles reportedly carried cluster bombs. The violence continues to spread across the region.

Brent crude oil prices eased slightly to $108 per barrel after a surge the previous day. Analysts warn that even if fighting stops soon, oil and gas flows will not recover quickly. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. About 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes through this route.

Global energy supply is under pressure. Flows of crude and petroleum have fallen by roughly 12 million barrels per day, about 12% of global demand. U.S. Energy officials say some Asian customers could get supplies within days if sanctions on Iranian oil are lifted. But the shortages will have lasting effects for months, possibly years.

U.S. allies, including Germany, Britain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, and Canada, pledged to support safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, they stressed that this depends on an end to the fighting. European leaders continue to call for diplomacy and de-escalation rather than military intervention.

The war has killed thousands and displaced millions, mostly in Iran and Lebanon. Israeli strikes have targeted Iranian-backed Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon and Beirut. Tehran says its missile production continues and shows no sign of running out of weapons.

The U.S. and Israel appear to have different priorities. Washington aims to weaken Iran’s missile and naval capabilities. Israel focuses on eliminating senior Iranian leaders and halting nuclear and ballistic programs. Reports indicate the U.S. is considering sending additional troops to the region, including the possibility of a ground operation near Iranian oil hubs, though no official confirmation has been made.